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Dollars for Disaster
What is Dollars for Disaster?
Dollars for Disaster is an as-needed basis initiative started by a group of WVU students in 2005 as a response to the Indonesian Tsunami. The initiative has since collected monetary and supply donations for Hurricane Katrina, the Haitian earthquake, the 2016 flooding in Southern West Virginia, and other disasters. During each campaign, the CCE assists in coordination of a campus-wide initiative, compiles resources and information, and serves as a clearing house for relief efforts.
Announcements & News
On August 15th, 2022, WV Governor Jim Justice proclaimed a State of Emergency in Fayette and Kanawha Counties for 30 days unless terminated. See the full proclaimation here.
Current Volunteer Opportunities
When a storm passes, there are various volunteer opportunities for the community to come together. Information about volunteering directly in some of the affected areas can be found below as they become available. It is important that you DO NOT self-deploy, but respond to coordinated volunteer efforts .
WEST VIRGINIA FLOOD RELIEF
- WV VOAD
- The West Virginia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (WV VOAD) is actively responding to flooding in Southern West Virginia.
- Please visit their site here for more information and resources.
KENTUCKY FLOOD RELIEF
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Appalshop
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Currently, Appalachian Eastern Kentucky, Southwestern Virginia, and surrounding
areas are experiencing historic flooding levels that began overnight and
are expected to continue throughout next week. Appalshop will be collecting
verifiable donation fund and resource information and posting it on their
site.
View all Appalshop resources here
.
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American Red Cross
- Kenneth D. & Carolyn T. Gray Student Emergency Fund
- The Kenneth D. and Carolyn T. Gray Student Emergency Funds are reserved for currently enrolled students who experience a true emergency causing a financial hardship such as money needed for unplanned trips home due to a death or illness of a family member, replacement clothing or books due to a fire or other disaster, medical emergencies or other unforeseen but urgent situations.
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Learn more about the Fund
.
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Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund
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Kentucky's Governor Beshear has established the
Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund
to assist those impacted by the floods and the severe weather system beginning July
26, 2022. All donations to the Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund
are tax-deductible and donors will receive a receipt for tax purposes after
donating.
- Christian Appalachian Project
- Christian Appalachian Project has partnered with the WVU Center for Community Engagement to provide donors a direct link to flood relief. 100% of gifts made through this link will be donated to direct flood relief in Eastern Kentucky
Give Cash, Not Supplies!
Most charities prefer monetary donations-- it is always important to ask the charity you are donating to prior to giving materials or money. Monetary donations are more flexible and cause less of a strain on the charity, allowing them to help more. By donating funds, the necessary resources needed on the ground can be attained in a timely manner by those who understand what are the greatest needs! Unlike material donations, cash involves no transportation costs, shipping delays, or customs fees. It also enables relief organizations to spend more time providing aid by spending less time managing goods!
Other Resources
If you, or someone you know, have been adversely affected by the recent storm, please remember that the Carruth Center offers counseling services for all members of the WVU community. Visit their site, or call (304) 293.4431. Drop-in counseling is also available for students Monday through Friday from 8:15am - 4:45pm.
If you have questions about anything on this page or would like more information about how to be involved, contact the Center for Community Engagement at (304) 293-8761 or CCE@mail.wvu.edu.